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Ertapenem Coupon - Ertapenem 10 vials of 1g carton

ertapenem

Generic Invanz
Used for Skin Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Pneumonia, Gastrointestinal Infection
Used for Skin Infection, Urinary Tract Infection, Bacterial Infection, Pneumonia, Gastrointestinal Infection

Ertapenem sodium, also known by its brand name Invanz, is a carbapenem antibiotic that treats several types of bacterial infections, including pneumonia, stomach infections, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). It's an injection that's given into the veins (IV) or into the muscle (IM) for people in the hospital. But it can sometimes also be given outside of the hospital, such as at an infusion center, for those who need long-term antibiotic treatment. The dose is given twice per day for younger children and once per day for older children and adults. Side effects aren't common but can include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

Last reviewed on May 19, 2024
basics-icon

What is Ertapenem (Invanz)?

What is Ertapenem (Invanz) used for?

How Ertapenem (Invanz) works

Ertapenem (Invanz) is a carbapenem antibiotic. It kills bacteria by preventing them from making their own protective covering.

When does Ertapenem (Invanz) start working?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Initial effect
Full effect

Drug Facts

Common BrandsInvanz
Drug ClassCarbapenem antibiotic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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$1177.75(save 88.62%)
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$134.00
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What are the side effects of Ertapenem (Invanz)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Diarrhea (6%)
  • Nausea (3%)
  • Headache (2%)
  • Vaginal irritation in females (2%)

Other Side Effects

  • Stomach pain
  • Vomiting
  • Dizziness
  • Shortness of breath
  • Itching
  • Rash

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: hives, rash, blisters, skin reddening, swelling of the lips or tongue, trouble breathing
  • Side effects affecting the nervous system: hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real), seizures, sudden and brief involuntary movements or twitching, not able to speak, confusion
  • Infectious diarrhea (C. difficile-related diarrhea): fever, stomach pain or cramps, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (up to 15 times per day)
When do Ertapenem (Invanz) possible side effects begin and end?
Time passed since treatment started:
HOURS
DAYS
WEEKS
MONTHS
Risk of diarrhea

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Bleeding

blistering

burning

coldness

diarrhea

discoloration of skin

feeling of pressure

hives

infection

inflammation

itching skin

lumps

numbness

pain

redness of skin

scarring

skin rash

soreness

stinging

swelling

tenderness

tingling

ulceration

unusually warm skin

Less common

Bluish color changes in skin color

dry, red, hot, or irritated skin

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

pain, tenderness, or swelling of foot or leg

Rare

Abdominal or stomach cramps

abdominal tenderness

bloating

convulsions

diarrhea, watery and severe, which may also be bloody

fainting or loss of consciousness

fast or irregular breathing

fever

increased thirst

loss of bladder control

muscle spasm or jerking of all extremities

nausea

sudden loss of consciousness

swelling of eyes or eyelids

tightness in chest

trouble in breathing

unusual tiredness or weakness

unusual weight loss

vomiting

wheezing

Incidence not known

Cough

difficulty swallowing

itching, puffiness, or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there

shortness of breath

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Agitation

chest pain

confusion about identity, place, and time

drowsiness

headache

mental depression

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

blurred vision

body aches or pain

congestion

difficult or labored breathing

difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)

dizziness

dryness or soreness of throat

faintness or lightheadedness when getting up from a lying or sitting position

fear

flushing

heartburn

hoarseness

indigestion

itching of the vagina or genital area

lack or loss of strength

leg pain

nervousness

pain during sexual intercourse

pounding in the ears

runny nose

sleeplessness

slow heartbeat

sore mouth or tongue

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

sudden sweating

tender, swollen glands in neck

thick, white vaginal discharge with no odor or with a mild odor

tightness in chest

trouble sleeping

unable to sleep

voice changes

white patches in mouth and/or on tongue

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Ertapenem (Invanz)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat many different bacterial infections, including some caused by bacteria that are resistant to other antibiotics

Taken once a day for people ages 13 years and older

Available as a lower-cost generic

thumbs-down

Cons

Only available as an injection

Might not be able to use if you're allergic to penicillin or cephalosporin antibiotics

Possible risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and certain nervous system problems (e.g., seizures, confusion)

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Ertapenem (Invanz)

pharmacist
  • Before you get treated with ertapenem (Invanz), be sure your healthcare team knows about your allergies, especially allergies to penicillins, cephalosporins, or any other antibiotics. You might also be at risk of having an allergic reaction to ertapenem (Invanz).

    • Before starting ertapenem (Invanz), your healthcare team will check that the antibiotic will work against the bacteria that's causing your infection. Taking ertapenem (Invanz) or other antibiotics when they aren't necessary can cause the bacteria to become resistant to medications, which can make your infection much harder to treat.

      • Ertapenem (Invanz) can cause diarrhea. In general, it should go away when you stop taking the antibiotic. But get medical help if you start having watery or bloody diarrhea, fever, fatigue, or stomach cramps anytime during treatment or after stopping ertapenem (Invanz). These can be signs of infectious diarrhea that can be serious and it needs to be treated right away.

        • Make sure your healthcare team is aware of all your current medications, especially if you're taking probenecid, valproic acid, or divalproex (Depakote). Probenecid can raise the levels of the antibiotic in your blood and raise your risk for side effects. Ertapenem (Invanz) can lower the levels of valproic acid and divalproex (Depakote) and put you at risk for seizures.

          • Your prescriber might order blood tests to make sure you're not having side effects during your treatment with ertapenem (Invanz). These blood tests check your liver health, kidney health, and blood cell counts. Based on your results, your prescriber will decide whether it's safe for you to continue ertapenem (Invanz) or not.

            • Tell your healthcare team if you develop other symptoms of an illness or if your symptoms get worse. You might need other treatment that can fight against your infection better.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Ertapenem (Invanz)

              Does ertapenem (Invanz) cover Pseudomonas?
              No, ertapenem (Invanz) doesn't cover or fight against the Pseudomonas bacteria. Other antibiotics that are typically used to treat bacterial infections caused by Pseudomonas include meropenem (Merrem), Zosyn (piperacillin / tazobactam), and cefepime (Maxipime).
              Is ertapenem (Invanz) a penicillin?
              Ertapenem (Invanz) is a carbapenem antibiotic, not a penicillin. But ertapenem (Invanz) and penicillin are related because they have similar chemical structures. Ertapenem (Invanz) and penicillin are both categorized under the broader drug class called beta-lactam antibiotics.
              Can I take ertapenem (Invanz) if I'm allergic to penicillin?
              Maybe. Ertapenem (Invanz) and penicillin have similar chemical structures. Because of this similarity, there's a possible but low chance of having an allergic reaction to ertapenem (Invanz) if you have a penicillin allergy. The prescriber will decide to treat your infection with ertapenem (Invanz) based on how severe your reaction to penicillin was in the past. It's probable that the prescriber will use ertapenem (Invanz) if you had a mild reaction (like rash or itchiness). In this case, the healthcare team will watch closely for allergic reactions while you get treated. But the prescriber might decide to use a different kind of antibiotic if you had a severe reaction (like facial swelling, closing of the throat, or anaphylaxis).
              How long does ertapenem (Invanz) stay in your system?
              In people ages 13 years and older, it takes about a day for most of ertapenem (Invanz) to leave the body after a dose (it leaves the body quicker in younger children). The kidneys help the body get rid of the medication. So when the kidneys aren't working as well as they should like in people with kidney problems, it can take longer for the body to remove ertapenem (Invanz).
              How do you administer ertapenem (Invanz) IV?
              A healthcare professional will typically help prepare and administer the ertapenem (Invanz) IV infusion. It's prepared by mixing a diluent (liquid) with the powdered medication to make a solution. Then, the medication is injected into an IV bag and administered as a 30-minute infusion through the veins.
              Can ertapenem (Invanz) be given as an injection into the muscles (IM)?
              Yes, ertapenem (Invanz) can be given as an injection into the muscle (IM), typically into a large muscle like the buttock or thigh. In general, an IM injection is faster to give than an IV infusion, but it can be more painful. Your prescriber will decide whether an IM injection of ertapenem (Invanz) is appropriate for you.
              Can ertapenem (Invanz) cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)?
              Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) wasn't a side effect of ertapenem (Invanz) that was reported in clinical studies. But a study that reviewed voluntary reports from the public to the FDA about side effects from antibiotics found that ertapenem (Invanz) might cause blood sugar levels to drop. If you have diabetes and are prescribed ertapenem (Invanz), make sure you know how to manage low blood sugar just in case it happens to you. Let your primary care provider know if you experience hypoglycemia after you start ertapenem (Invanz).
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              What are the risks and warnings for Ertapenem (Invanz)?

              Ertapenem (Invanz) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

              risk-warning

              Allergic reactions

              • Risk factors: Allergy to penicillin or other cephalosporin antibiotics

                Allergic reactions to ertapenem (Invanz) are possible. These can include life-threatening reactions like hives, facial swelling, shock, and anaphylaxis (closing of the throat). Tell your healthcare team if you have an allergy to any antibiotics so they can make sure ertapenem (Invanz) is safe for you. Get medical help right away if you notice hives, rash, red skin, swelling of the lips or tongue, or trouble breathing at any time during your treatment with ertapenem (Invanz).

                risk-warning

                Side effects affecting the nervous system, such as seizure

                • Risk factors: History of seizures or problems with the brain | Kidney problems | Taking valproic acid or divalproex sodium

                  Although rare, some people who were treated with ertapenem (Invanz) reported serious side effects related to the nervous system. They included seizures, delirium, and hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real). Call 911 or your nurse if you or your loved ones notice any of these side effects. Nervous system side effects from ertapenem (Invanz) usually go away after stopping the medication.

                  Make sure to tell your healthcare team about your medical conditions and current medications, especially if you've had seizures before or if you're taking valproic acid or divalproex (Depakote). Taking ertapenem (Invanz) with valproic acid or divalproex (Depakote) can put you at higher risk for seizures. Although it's generally not recommended to take the antibiotic with these specific medications, it's okay to continue other anti-seizure medications while you're taking ertapenem (Invanz).

                  risk-warning

                  Diarrhea from Clostridioides difficile infection

                  Antibiotics, including ertapenem (Invanz), raise your risk of getting infected with a bacteria called Clostridioides difficile (C. diff).
                  This is because antibiotics change the amount of normal bacteria in your stomach and intestines. This can cause C. diff to overgrow in your gut and lead to an infection. C. diff infection can cause diarrhea that can sometimes be life-threatening.

                  This type of infectious diarrhea is different than diarrhea as a possible side effect of ertapenem (Invanz). C. diff-related diarrhea can cause rapid heart rate, fever, nausea, foul-smelling diarrhea, frequent bowel movements (even up to 15 times per day), or bloody stools. It's a medical emergency, so get help right away if you have any of these symptoms at any time during treatment or after you stop the antibiotic. You'll need to get tested for C. diff infection and get treatment, if needed.

                  risk-warning

                  Development of drug-resistant bacteria

                  Your prescriber will monitor your treatment with ertapenem (Invanz) to make sure you're taking the antibiotic for the appropriate infection and amount of time. Using ertapenem (Invanz) for any shorter or longer periods of time or taking the antibiotic for other illnesses can raise your risk for developing infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. This raises your risk for severe and life-threatening infections that might be hard to treat.

                  dosage

                  Ertapenem (Invanz) dosage forms

                  The average cost for 1 carton of 10 vials of 1g of Ertapenem (Invanz) is $314.50 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 73.3% off the average retail price of $1177.75.
                  carton
                  Carton
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  10 vials of 1g1 carton$314.50$314.50
                  vial
                  Vial
                  DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                  1g7 vials$248.20$35.46

                  Typical dosing for Ertapenem (Invanz)

                  Ertapenem (Invanz) is given as an infusion into the veins (IV) or into the muscle (IM) by a healthcare professional. The length of treatment depends on the type of infection you have.

                  • Age 13 years and older: The typical dose is 1 gram once a day.

                  • Age 3 months to under 13 years: The dose depends on your child's body weight. The typical dose is 15 mg/kg of weight twice a day. The maximum dose is 1 gram per day.

                  Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems.

                  interactions

                  Interactions between Ertapenem (Invanz) and other drugs

                  Ertapenem (Invanz) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Ertapenem (Invanz). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                  Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                  contraindications-icon

                  Ertapenem (Invanz) contraindications

                  Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Ertapenem (Invanz) will not be safe for you to take.
                  alternatives

                  What are alternatives to Ertapenem (Invanz)?

                  There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Ertapenem (Invanz). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                  Ertapenem (Invanz)
                  Used for:
                  $134.00 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                  Used for:
                  • Serious skin infections

                  • Serious stomach infections

                  • Meningitis in children

                  Used for:
                  images

                  Ertapenem (Invanz) images

                  This medicine is Colorless Carton.
                  white - Ertapenem Sodium 1g Powder for Injection
                  This medicine is White Carton.white - Ertapenem Sodium 1g Powder for Injection

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                  References

                  Best studies we found
                  View All References (9)

                  Lee, Y., et al. (2019). Overview and insights into carbapenem allergy. Pharmacy.

                  Lopez, N., et al. (2011). A comprehensive review of abdominal infections. World Journal of Emergency Surgery.

                  McFarland, L. V., et al. (2016). Comparison of pediatric and adult antibiotic-associated diarrhea and Clostridium difficile infections. World Journal of Gastroenterology.

                  MedlinePlus. (2023). Delirium.

                  Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC. (2022). Invanz- ertapenem sodium injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                  Mitaka, H., et al. (2023). 2786. Characterizing ertapenem neurotoxicity: A systematic review. Open Forum Infectious Diseases.

                  Norris, A. H., et al. (2018). 2018 Infectious Diseases Society of America Clinical Practice guideline for the management of outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy. Clinical Infectious Disease.

                  Pandey, N., et al. Beta-lactam antibiotics. StatPearls.

                  Papp-Wallace, K. M., et al. (2011). Carbapenems: Past, present, and future. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy.

                  GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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